He was to go as far as he could, but to return the next evening.
The march was a very trying one, the weather terrible.

After going four miles they reached the bank of an unfordable river, some forty yards wide.

The Pioneers, although they had no technical equipment, succeeded in making a rough bridge by the afternoon; and Major Cobbe decided to push on to Kofia.

At ten o'clock they reached this place and, to the general relief, it was found to be deserted.

The troops, therefore, marched in and turned into the huts, amid a howling tornado.
The return journey, next day, was even worse.